ECUADOR AND THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS

Despite being one the smallest countries in South America, Ecuador offers a staggering diversity of architecture, landscapes, wildlife and culture, including jungle tribes, colonial towns, huge expanses of rainforest, bird-filled cloud forests, snow-capped mountains and an extensive Pacific coastline.

It is also home to the Galapagos Islands - one of the world’s great natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its remarkable collection of birds, reptiles and plants which led Charles Darwin to formulate one of the greatest scientific theories of all time: survival of the fittest, or the theory of evolution.

Best time to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands:

The influence of the Andes causes the climate of Ecuador to vary considerably between regions. The coast is very dry but can be cool and misty from June to September; the Andes have a pleasant spring-like climate and are generally driest between June and September; the Amazonian rainforest is generally hot and wet throughout the year with the highest rainfall from April to September.

The Galapagos Islands receive very limited rainfall and can be visited at any time of the year. It is generally very hot, sunny and humid from December to May when thunderstorms may occur. From June to November the cold Humboldt current brings cooler weather, cloud, wind and mist (garúa). This is also the breeding season for many seabirds (including the waved albatross) and when most migratory whales visit the islands.

The islands are strongly affected by El Niño events which can dramatically alter the weather at any time.

Discover the highlights of mainland Ecuador including colourful Otavalo market, the flora and fauna of the Amazon, the colonial splendour of Quito and Cuenca and beautiful Andean scenery.Find out more...

Explore the major highlights of Ecuador at a wonderfully affordable price, combining many scenic mainland sites with three nights on Darwin’s beloved Galapagos Islands to marvel at the remarkable semi-tame wildlife.

‘The holiday was wonderful. It probably exceeded our expectations and was exactly the right itinerary. The seven night option for Galapagos was just right... [Your representatives] were excellent and [our guide] was wonderful.. .once again, thanks for a great holiday.’